Sentosa’s Western Coastline to Get Better Access as NTUC Downtown South Resort Is Built on Pulau Brani
Access will be improved to a part of Sentosa’s western coastline that is home to rich marine life and unique geology such as distinctive coastal cliffs, while preserving its natural character. Next to Sentosa, on Pulau Brani, a new Downtown South resort will be built after port operations move out, said Prime Minister Lawrence Wong in his National Day Rally speech on 23 August.
Port Move to Tuas
Master Plan Horizon
Since Last Refresh
Downtown South First Floated
Opening Up Sentosa’s Western Coastline
That part of Sentosa’s western coastline is currently not accessible to the public. Improving access will help efforts to bring people closer to nature, said PM Wong.
“We will improve access, while preserving its natural character,” he said. “So that more Singaporeans can discover a side of Sentosa they have never seen before.”
Sentosa’s beaches and waterfront will also be enhanced. Sentosa’s last major transformation was more than 15 years ago, when Resorts World Sentosa and Universal Studios opened, so it is time for Sentosa to undergo another refresh, he said.
Downtown South on Pulau Brani
On Pulau Brani, a new Downtown South resort will be built after port operations move out. “We can create entirely new attractions and experiences in Brani,” PM Wong added. The resort will fall under the leisure and recreational arm of the National Trades Union Congress.
The operations at Brani Terminal, as well as Tanjong Pagar and Keppel terminals, are slated to move to Tuas Port by 2027.
With land reclamation to better link the 120ha Pulau Brani to Sentosa, the two isles will become one integrated destination. “They will transform our southern waterfront and offer even more for Singaporeans and visitors to see, do and enjoy,” he added.
Getting Around: People Mover and Water Taxis
PM Wong said that as new attractions are added, Sentosa and Pulau Brani will need more capacity and ways to get around.
To this end, a new people mover system connecting mainland Singapore to the two islands will be built, and a water taxi service is also being explored. The existing Sentosa Express monorail will eventually make way for the new people mover tram system, which can carry more passengers.
The transformation will be rolled out progressively, with new developments expected to come on board from the early 2030s.
Part of the Greater Sentosa Master Plan
The refresh is part of the Greater Sentosa Master Plan unveiled in July. The blueprint contains a raft of initiatives to transform Sentosa and Pulau Brani over the next two decades.
Upcoming developments include a sheltered forest canopy walk at Mount Imbiah, as well as a multi-purpose venue called the Sensorium at Siloso Beach.
An Idea First Floated in 2019
Plans for the new NTUC resort on Pulau Brani, dubbed Downtown South, were first floated by then Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong in his 2019 National Day Rally speech. Speaking about plans for the Greater Southern Waterfront, he said at the time that Pulau Brani could be redeveloped together with Sentosa, after the container terminal on the island moves out.
In his 2019 Rally speech, Lee said: “We will build new attractions on Brani, just like we have Universal Studios on Sentosa.”
The plans were discussed with the Cabinet, and labour chief Ng Chee Meng had asked for a Downtown South to be built as part of these plans, akin to Downtown East in Pasir Ris. Lee said at the time: “We will set aside land for the labour movement to build a resort, probably on Pulau Brani. We will make this gesture to thank our workers for all their contributions to our nation. Because Singapore is for all of us.”
Further details, such as the completion date of the Downtown South resort, have yet to be announced.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Downtown South and where will it be built?
Downtown South is a new resort that will be built on Pulau Brani under the leisure and recreational arm of the National Trades Union Congress, after port operations move out. The idea was first floated by then Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong in his 2019 National Day Rally speech, akin to Downtown East in Pasir Ris. Further details, including the completion date, have yet to be announced.
When will port operations move off Pulau Brani?
The operations at Brani Terminal, as well as the Tanjong Pagar and Keppel terminals, are slated to move to Tuas Port by 2027.
How will people get to and around Sentosa and Pulau Brani?
A new people mover system connecting mainland Singapore to the two islands will be built, and a water taxi service is also being explored. Land reclamation will better link Pulau Brani to Sentosa so the two isles become one integrated destination.
What else is planned under the Greater Sentosa Master Plan?
The blueprint, unveiled in July, contains initiatives to transform Sentosa and Pulau Brani over the next two decades. Upcoming developments include a sheltered forest canopy walk at Mount Imbiah and a multi-purpose venue called the Sensorium at Siloso Beach. Sentosa’s beaches and waterfront will also be enhanced.
Own property near the southern waterfront?
The Greater Sentosa plans and the new people mover will reshape this precinct over two decades. If you own in Sentosa Cove, HarbourFront or Telok Blangah, I can tell you how the area is trading now.